To investigate the processes of retinal vascular development of human fe-
tus. METHODS:Eighty-six specimens of retinas of human fetus from 13th to 38th gestational week were studied by immunohistochemieal method(ABC). RESULTS:The spindle cells of mensenchymal origin was firstly found to migrate into the retina from optic disc at 12--13 weeks ,and spreaded subsequently toward the periphery of the retina. At the same time ,the consequential processes of differentiation,proliferation,canalilization and remodelling developed into vascular plexus in ganglion cell layer (GCL). Vascular buds formed in GCL in 26th gestational week extended toward nerve fiber layer (NFL)and inner nuclear layer(INL)and developed into capillary plexuses in NFL and inner and outer margin of INL respectively. CONCLUSIONS.. Four vascular layers could be distinguished in the ratina of full term fetuses,and these layers were formed through two principal developmental processes.
（Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis,1996,12: 88- 90）
